A Tribute to our Volunteers

Fall

Edition

2014

“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”

~ John Ruskin

I received the quote above in correspondence with a business colleague and friend. While it resonated with me from a business perspective, it also reminded me about all the past and current volunteers within our organization. Our volunteers give countless time and effort to help our animals in endless ways. Seeing a tail wag, hearing a purr, receiving a lick, and watching an animal go into their “furever” home are extremely high rewards that volunteers receive for their efforts, however the skills they acquire, the people they meet, the lessons they learn, and who they become along the way are amazing benefits too. I have had the pleasure of seeing many of our volunteers blossom over the past 11 years and I am grateful to have crossed their paths and for what they have taught me and others in our organization. On behalf of Pet Friends, I truly want to thank each and every past and present volunteer who has given their time and effort to helping our animals. It is thanks to all of you and your passion that our organization is able to continue working on our mission.

~ Patti Gamble

A Tribute to our Volunteers

Jay, our dog volunteer, does an introduction with Yukon the yellow lab and Lancelot the black mix

who was adopted in June

Keirstin cleans the cat room at PetSmart

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find permanent homes for lost and unwanted cats and dogs in Southwestern Pennsylvania. It is our goal to provide for the medical and physical needs of these animals, to provide educational activities and programs to help end the suffering caused by pet over-population, and to offer education opportunities that will enhance the lives of people and their pets.

OUR MISSION

At our June Volunteer / Membership meeting, Pet Friends' attendees enjoyed a presentation from three members of the White Oak Search & Rescue - K9 Unit (WOSAR). The three members and their K9 rescue dogs, pictured left, are Sundance, John Osheka, Bill Parker, Ryken, Debbie Parker, and Schatzi. At the presentation, the group shared their excitement and passion by explaining why dogs are so good at search and rescue, year-round training requirements, that they do search and rescue of lost people but not in dangerous situations or for the tracking of criminals (that is accomplished by the police and their K9's), that they will travel up to 4 hours to help with rescue, that they are not paid for their services, and a host of other interesting facts. At the end, they demonstrated one of their training exercises. Our group really enjoyed all we learned and observed. Debbie and Bill have been doing Search & Rescue (SAR) for about three years. John has been doing it for about one year. John is also the president of Golden Retrievers in Need (G.R.I.N) and a member of Golden Triangle of Pittsburgh. Thank you Sundance, John, Bill, Ryken, Debbie, and Schatzi! It was wonderful to see how Man's best friend can learn to be one of Man's saviors! Note from this writer: If you'd be interested in helping with training of these wonderful dogs, contact us with your name, telephone number, and e-mail address. We'll pass it along to WOSAR. They have full weekend training events every few months. My husband and I volunteered and thoroughly enjoyed it. We learned how they train the dogs to "tell" their owners when there is no scent of the person needing to be found, how they alert their owners that the person climbed over a fence, and how they let their owners know that the person's trail ends in water. It was well worth the time we invested!

Pet Friends'

Board of Directors:

Patti Gamble

- President

Lisa Cimbala

- Secretary/Treasurer

Vickie Kasa

- Canine Coordinator

Janet Gavazzi

- Feline Coordinator

Betsy Walter

- Volunteer Coordinator

Lisa Smith

- Public Relations

Suzanne Pierce

- Fundraising Coordinator

Pet Friends News

Pet Friends now

accepts donations

of cars. Our 1st

donation brought

in over $665. Call

us - we'll come

get it!

2014 Adoptions

(so far!)

53 Cats

and

30 Dogs!!!

Donate a Vehicle!

Anyone nationwide can donate a car, truck, boat, or other vehicle fast and easy with DonateCarUSA.com and it will help us continue our mission of helping

animals! Here are some of the perks for you when you donate a vehicle: Free pick-up from your home or office (vehicle running or not), a tax deduction for the value of

your vehicle, and no paperwork, registration, or smog test hassles. Call 888-205-3420 or use the easy 1-step form found at:

http://www.donatecarusa.com/charities/pet-friends-inc/landing and your vehicle will be picked up by a professional towing company at your

convenience. Please help us to spread the word to your friends, coworkers, and family members both locally and out of state!

http://www.donatecarusa.com/charities/pet-friends-inc/landing

Talented Pittsburgh artist Johno Prascak www.johnosart.com donated to Pet Friends a signed print of his collage of Terry Bradshaw to be used for a fundraiser. Raffle tickets were sold and the drawing was held on Fathers’ Day. The print brought in $1000 to help our cats and dogs! The winner was Stephanie Flambard. She decided to give her son Ed the framed print, and it will be hung in his restaurant, Socrates’ Station, in Myrtle Beach for Steeler Nation to enjoy. Congratulations Stephanie! Pictured is Stephanie, husband Ed, and Beau, a Pet Friends' alumni.

.

Pet Friends held a yard and bake sale on Sunday, July 27, 2014. The weather was a little bit rainy but people still came out to support a great cause. We raised a total of $395.75 in donations from the event! Thank you to everyone who donated items for us to sell and those who baked delicious goodies for people and their pets. We would also like to thank everyone who helped with setting up, cleaning up and working the event.

Two separate lemonade stand fundraisers were held by two lovely young ladies with all proceeds benefitting Pet Friends. See the full story on our Kid's Page (page 11). Thank you Savannah, Avaree, and all of your helpful family members and friends. Together, you raised a total of $485!!! Both of you are an inspiration to all of us!

Our Chipotle day at the Route 30, Greensburg location, on July 20th was a wonderful success! 50% of all proceeds went to Pet Friends if the patron gave them a copy of our flyer or mentioned our name at checkout. With your help, we earned $319.33! Special THANKS goes to Chipotle's for their generous donation to our organization and to all the people who enjoyed the delicious food Chipotle has to offer.

Recap of Recent Events

Visit our Cats/Kittens Every day at the PetSmart in Greensburg during store hours

Please call Bonnie Raspet at 724-863-7722 if you want to volunteer at PetSmart

Visit our Dogs 1st and 3rd Saturdays, Carwen’s Kennel in Irwin 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2nd and 4th Saturdays, Burton’s Total Pet in Irwin 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call Vickie Kasa at 724-863-7722 if you can help transport or handle our dogs

Join us at our Volunteer Meetings

3rd Monday of each month, N. Huntingdon Townhouse Building 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

* The next adoption weekend (for cats) at PetSmart is September 12 thru September 14 *

Labor Day Lottery Drawing: (afternoon & evening PA Daily Numbers), $2 per ticket, each ticket has 2 numbers - call 724-863-7722 and select option 5 for fundraising to buy or help sell tickets. Entertainment Books are coming! If you'd like to buy a book or can help sell, please call 724-863-7722 and select option 5 for fundraising. We'd GREATLY appreciate your help!

Penn Township Fall Festival, Friday & Saturday, September 19th & 20th, including the Dog-Gone Good Day (at the Festival) on Saturday the 20th, from 12:30pm – 4:00pm.

Sam's Club Donation Event, Saturday, September 20th, from 10am to 6pm we will be outside of Sam's Club with donation cans and information on Pet Friends

Our annual Wine Event will be held on Saturday October 11th, from 7:00pm - 9:30pm at the Greenhouse Winery, 10828 Guffey-Rillton Road, Rillton, PA. $25 per person. Event includes wine samples, 50/50 raffle, appetizers, Chinese auction, and entertainment by Gashouse Annie. Limited number of tickets being sold - call 724-863-7722, option 5, for tickets.

We will be selling Saris Candy bars and Sugar Creek candles in October. For more information, please visit our web site at www.petfriendsinc.com

Upcoming Events & Fundraisers

In honor of all those dedicated to helping animals, from Linda Finlay

In honor of Bonnie Raspet, who fostered Gypsy, from Lillian M. Carothers

In honor of Brigid, from Gil & Loretta Pastor

In honor of Mike Kovalak, our favorite brother - Happy Birthday, Love Bev & Tim Kowalchick

In honor of Sierry Sarrae, our beloved dog who brings us such joy every day, from Bob & Judi Kratofil

In loving memory of Rosealie, my foster, then adopted, Pet Friends beagle, from Frances Stitley

In memory of Balzac and Jasper, two happy boy dogs, from Tom Meisner

In memory of Billy, feline buddy missed since August, 2008, from Lawrence H. Lynn

In memory of Daisy, our beloved friend and companion, from John & Lynne Cherepko

In memory of Donna, very concerned for the wellfare of animals, from Suzanne Miller

In memory of Dumpy, my cat, originally adopted from Adopt-A-Pet through Kelly Cook, from Janice

Pechan

In memory of Lynn Zinck, friend and lover of all animals, from Tom & Fran Icardi

In memory of Midnight, recently departed cat of Marge Kiser, from John & Lynne Cherepko

In memory of my brother-in-law Dick Hydek, from Lois Wolf-Geer

In memory of my dear friend, Betty Coles. We were friends for 40 years, along with Dee Dee Anderson

and Mary Bule. All were pioneers in animal rescue work. From Ellen Godula Diskin.

In memory of my dog Lincus (aka Abbey). Thank you for all you do for animals, from Carole Hanlin

In memory of Peanut Faccenda, who will be truly missed by her loving family, from Jane Pogue

In memory of Precious, beloved and wonderful kitty of Jeff & Denise Parry, from Denise & Bob Price

In memory of Regina Andrews, Cocoa, & Mocha, from Holly Hughes

In memory of Regina Andrews, our beloved friend and co-worker. She was a wonderful person who

touched us all with her kindness, her laughter and her caring way for people and animals. She will be

truly missed. From Siemens LD AP Finance Department and Siemens LD AP Sales and Marketing

Department; and from Sally Jo Hanson, Carol Sellers, Lorraine Stewart, Cynthia Verbeski, Michael

Vanetta, Barbara McPoland

In memory of Tahoe, beloved dog of Eileen Malesky, from Amy Sinot

In memory of Willie, beloved pet of Adrienne Daner & Andrew Pullman, from Darlene Macara

In memory of Wilson Brown, and in honor of Whisper, his dog, from Pat Ravas

Memorials and Honors

Welcome to our sponsorship page. By sponsoring animals, donators help us cover operating costs `

Dee Dee’s Den Named in memory of our friend Dee Dee Anderson

Sponsored by

Vennie & Terri Krutz

Sponsored by

Karen Ferri

Sponsored by Laura Diaz

Sponsored by Isabella Beeburt

Sponsored by Will & Leeann Steel

Sponsored by

Darlene Yonkovich

Sasha Astor

Toby

Yucon

Jewel Honey

Please help us to give these and all of our pets the gift of a good home.

They will thank you a thousand times over!

Sponsored by

Alexandria Beeburt


Sponsored by


Mia

Claude Tito

If you would like to sponsor an animal, please send your tax-deductible donation, marked “sponsorship” for $20 (per animal) to Pet Friends, PO Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642. Thank you to all of these sponsors!

Dee Dee’s Den (Continued)

Sponsored by Karen Ferri

Sponsored by



Sponsored by Gloria Cipra

Sponsored by

Darlene Yonkovich

Sponsored by

Tony & Virginia Donina

Pearl Peeta

Kato

Sammy

Madeline Mumu

Sponsored by Dion & Kimberly Ruffner

Sponsored by

Larry Cunningham Sponsored by

Will & Leeann Steel

Pippa Heidi Astrid

Please help us to give these and all of our pets the gift of a good home.

They will thank you a thousand times over!

Dear Pet Friends: Just wanted to share with you how Hercules, now named "Teddy" as we think he looks more like a Teddy than a Hercules, is doing. Teddy has quickly become a wonderful companion to our entire family. Since the first day we brought him home he has been a joy and we love him so much! When we walk Teddy everyone wants to pet and hug him. Thank you for taking care of Teddy while at Pet Friends. We will bring Teddy out to visit you folks soon. Bob & Lynn Dear Pet Friends, While browsing Petfinder one day this spring, I stumbled upon a listing for a unique-looking tortoiseshell cat that captured my interest. My husband and I had waited seven long years to have a pet

together, so we wanted to adopt a cat that was full of energy and personality. When we met Theodora (you knew her as Kimberly), we knew she was the one! We finally got to take her home after moving into our new, pet-friendly apartment in June. She has been a great addition to our family. She is incredibly sweet and affectionate and she immediately warmed up to us when we brought her home. She definitely has the tortie temperament - she's vocal, independent, and wants things to always be on her terms! She's the only pet in our house so she gets to be

the little princess and is already happy to be spoiled by us. We are incredibly happy to have been able to provide her with a loving home. Thanks Pet Friends for all you do! All the best, Olivia, Tony, and Theodora Hello Pet Friends: Just wanted to send you a picture of Dakota. He acts like he's been here forever. Made himself right at home. We love him. Thank you for picking us. We all are happy to have him. Ps. Looks like his hair is growing back nicely. He will be more beautiful than he already is. We will try to visit next time you are at the kennels. Beth C.

News from our Alumni

Dear Pet Friends: Devin and I just wanted to thank all of you again with your help in bringing Holly into our lives. She is adjusting perfectly and is a joy. She makes us so happy. Just letting you know how great she's doing and thanks again! Colleen

Hi Pet Friends: Just wanted to let all of Lance's favorite friends from Pet Friends know that he is doing very well. He misses you all though. He's starting obedience classes soon to improve his already polite manners thanks to you all and will have a little vet visit this Wednesday. Lance was also treated to a dog park date yesterday and loved it. Plus, he just can't get enough of his toys, especially the blue squeaky one from Pet Friends! Thanks again for giving us this wonderful dog! Casey & Jim Dear Pet Friends: Thought you would like to have an update on Katie and her transition to her new home. Katie has settled in extremely well. She took to the house (and the couch!) as if she has lived here a long time. No problems learning the layout and where to go to the door, etc. She's already been walked and run a few times, and met LOTS of new people – neighbors, family and friends. She's eating well and sleeps a lot since there's been so much activity. Took her to the vet yesterday and everything checked out well – they are doing the follow up testing for Lyme antibodies as expected. Vet commented that she is a very mellow, sweet dog. (of course there were no squirrels in the vet office). Ha Ha. Other than the Lyme thing, she's in good shape. We'll add a few pounds to her in no time. It is the holiday season after all, and isn't that what you're supposed to do? Gwen, Craig and Anna

Dear Pet Friends: While looking to add another feline friend to our family, we came across Pet Friends website and saw James on there. We fell in love with him instantly because he looked like a lion. We headed to PetSmart to meet him in person and just loved him. He is very stunning to look at and has a huge personality. He had a

sad story but was being nursed back to health by his foster mom, Suzanne. (See our cat page for more photos of James.) While at the store, he attracted a lot of attention. We worried over the next few days whether we’d been approved to adopt him. Finally, we got word that James was coming home with us. His first night in our home was very special. He developed a strong bond with our 4 year old son. Wherever our son was, James was right beside him. He slept in the bed with him, sat outside the bath tub, played cars and much more. He is a furry best friend!

Since we’ve brought him into our home, his coat has really grown in. It is gorgeous! He still has his cute lion face. He loves to give kisses, snuggle, play ball and eat. He is a big boy but at a healthy weight. He is very social and makes sure he struts by when visitors come over. He has gotten the nickname “King James” because he is so stunning and big. He’s still our son’s best buddy. If our son is sad or cries, James runs right to him. He is a blessing and we absolutely love him! Thank you Pet Friends for saving James and allowing us to make him a part of our family! Jaime, Paul, Cameron

If you would like more information about how you can help Pet Friends, please call, write, email,

or return this form with your contact information. You can help by simply selling or buying

raffle tickets, walking a dog once a week or once a month, or fostering a cat or dog.

Phone: 724-863-7722 Pet Friends

Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642

Name:_________________________________________ Phone No.________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________

Email Address:__________________________________

Want to Volunteer? Be appreciated – become a volunteer today!

mailto:[email protected]

Homemade Peanut Butter & Bacon dog treats to make with an adult

1 cup natural creamy peanut butter

¾ cup nonfat milk

1 large egg (or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce)

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

⅓ cup oats

2-3 strips bacon, chopped

Preheat oven to 325°F

Line two large pans with parchment paper In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, milk,

and egg together with a spatula, then switch to a whisk to make sure there is no lumps.

Add the flour and baking powder (you may need to use your hands to work the flour in).

Mix in the oats and chopped bacon. Roll out the dough to ¼ thickness. Cut dough into

shapes, place on baking sheets, and bake for 18-20 minutes, until lightly brown on bottom.

Remove from oven, and flip the treats and bake for another 10-12 minutes. Let cool

completely before giving to your pups.

Store at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Treats freeze well, up to 2 months.

It's All About Kids!

This was Savannah’s second

lemonade stand that she had during

her neighborhood yard sale. She

had help this year from her brother,

Caleb, and cousin, Dakoda. Thank

you Savannah, Caleb, and Dakoda

for all of your support and efforts!

Avaree had her first lemonade

stand during the Irwin 150th

Anniversary Celebration. She had

help from her cousins, Jordin and

Madison. Thank you Avaree,

Jordin, and Madison for all of your

support and efforts!

Dogs, Learn their body language!

It's All About Dogs!

Our Cats, Where they come from! This is a re-cap of where most of our cats and kittens have come from over the last several months. Our first call was in October 2013. This was a single kitten about 3 weeks old. No mother or littermates in sight. His cries were heard; he was found in some shrubbery. He was eventually surrendered to Pet Friends. The kitten was bottle-fed until he was able to eat on his own and has since been adopted. 2014 started off with a bang! We took in a mother and her 3 kittens. The mother and kittens had been living outside. By the time the kittens went into foster care they were 8 weeks old. They required a great deal of socialization to be considered adoptable. Because of the time spent by the foster home socializing the kittens, all three kittens were adopted. Because the mother of these kittens turned out to be so nice, her foster “Mom” decided to continue fostering her instead of returning her to her life as an outside cat. She has recently been adopted into a loving home which pleased us all so much! The next group of 3 kittens also came in January but had the good fortune to be born indoors since kind people took the mother in when they discovered she was pregnant. The kittens came into foster care at 8 weeks of age and have all found homes. Pet Friends paid to have the mother spayed and she found a home thru her caregivers. January also brought us a very sick young adult cat. He was found by a volunteer who was delivering a trap. The name he was given is James. James was very thin and had a severe upper respiratory infection; not to mention intestinal parasites and fleas. After many weeks of treatment and some good old TLC, James was ready for adoption. You can see a photo of “handsome” James in his new home in our Alumni section. Our next intake in January was a single kitten about 6 weeks old. He was found in the parking lot of a local car dealership. February brought us a 4 month old kitten found in a restaurant parking lot. The kitten had crawled up into the wheel well of a truck. A passerby heard the kitten’s cries, scooped him up and took him home and cared for the kitten until a foster home was available. April brought us a semi feral mother cat and her 3 kittens. The mother had her kittens on a volunteer’s porch. Mom and the 3 kittens went into foster care when the kittens were about 3 days old. The kittens will be available for adoption soon. They are being treated for a fungal infection. Mom was spayed and returned to her former home and is doing well. Four other kittens came into foster care in April. They came from a home where two pet cats were not spayed or neutered. The kittens were picked up by a volunteer because the people had no means of transportation. Pet Friends offered to spay the mother and father of the kittens – the family declined our offer. May was a busy month. A mother cat and her litter of 5 came to us from under a deck of a restaurant. They were about 5 weeks old at the time. The mother cat is still in a foster home and is waiting to be adopted. The next litter of 5 were living under a family’s swimming pool. The next group of 4 kittens were also born to a feral mother. The mother was spayed and returned to her former location. Our next May intake was 2 kittens. We received a

It's All About Cats!

Emaciated James

was rescued!

James sleeping safe & secure - maybe for the

first time in his life.

call from a woman who had a female and a male cat who had three kittens. The owner was concerned about one kitten in particular who had eye problems. She knew the kitten needed veterinary care and could not afford to provide it. This kitten was 9 weeks old when it was surrendered. After getting veterinary care for this kitten, he was diagnosed with bilateral micro opthalmia. He is essentially blind in both eyes. This may have come from an infection left untreated or a birth defect. With the help of Pet Friends, the mother and father of this litter were spayed and neutered. It is amazing that so many survived, spending their first few weeks of life outside and given the bitter cold winter we had. If anyone deserves a second chance, they surely do! With the continued love of our volunteers, faithful financial support from our readers, skilled care from our Veterinarians, and loving adopters, many more will!

On-line Business Partners

If you like shopping on-line, please consider the following on-line businesses as they donate a portion of the

sales to Pet Friends if you list our name as your charity of choice.

1) My Sister and Me: $10 from the sale of each necklace is donated to the shelter or rescue of the buyer's

choice. www.facebook.com/michellebullington.ga or www.etsy.com/shop/chellebullington

2) iGive: Shop online at your favorite stores and select Pet Friends to be your charity of choice to get free

money! www.iGive.com

3) U.S. Bones: Shop online for your pet products and Pet Friends will earn 25% of the value of your order!

www.usbones.com

4) Mr. Chewy's Shelter and Rescue Network: Every visitor to Mr. Chewy's using this link automatically

lands on a special page set for Pet Friends Once you've made a purchase and qualify (1st time customer, 1 per

household) Pet Friends Inc. gets a $20 donation. http://www.chewy.com/rp/1206

5) Bullington Baby: Looking for a way to help shelter animals in your area? $10 from the sale of each Paw Print

necklace will be donated to the animal shelter or rescue of the buyer's choice! Show your love and support for

shelter dogs and cats with a beautiful 15mm sterling silver paw prints charm on an 18" silver filled chain with

lobster claw closure. Please leave a note at check-out with the name and location of your area shelter or

rescue. (Please go to our web site @ http://www.petfriendsinc.com for Bullington Baby's web address)

6) AmazonSmile: Shop at AmazonSmile and they will make a donation to Pet Friends. Visit them at

https://smile.amazon.com/

So precious - how could anyone abandon this

beautiful boy?

Y

Want to be a member? The annual fee to become a member is $20. Our members elect the

people to sit on our Board and vote on key issues.

Yes, I want to become a Member:___ Yes, I want to renew my Membership for 2014: ___

Name: _______________________________ Phone Number: ______________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

Email address: _______________________________________

Mail to: Pet Friends, P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642

2014 Memberships are Welcome!

Contribution Information

I’d like to make a contribution for:

___ General ___ Cat Fund ___ Dog Fund

Name: ______________________________

Address: ____________________________

___________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________

Please include an address if you wish for a card to

be sent to your gift recipient. Send information

and check to:

Pet Friends,

P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642

In Honor of: _____________________

In Memory of: ___________________

Pet or Person: ______________

Notes: _________________________

_______________________________

_______________________________

Gift Recipient:

Name: _________________________

Address: _______________________

_______________________________

Please include an address if you wish for a

card to be sent to your gift recipient.

Change Service Requested

Our Wish List

Tax deductible cash donations to help with Veterinarian bills and purchasing beds.

Alumni letters so we know how the ones we saved are doing!

Cat Food (Dry or Canned) Cat Litter

Kitten Food (Dry or Canned) Postage Stamps

Bleach, Clorox, Pine Sol Large Trash Bags

Grocery Store Gift Cards Gift Cards

Pillowcases Paper Towels

Pet Friends

P.O. Box 484

Irwin, PA 15642 724-863-7722

Email: [email protected] Web site: www.petfriendsinc.com www.petfriends.petfinder.com

Search for us on Facebook too!

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID

GREENSBURG, PA

PERMIT NO. 130

The official registration and financial information of Pet Friends may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by

calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement

A Tribute to our Volunteers

Documents

Transcript of A Tribute to our Volunteers